A small repair,
invisibly done.

Why we choose composite

Culpeper Dental Care is a mercury-free practice. Every filling we place is a tooth-colored composite resin — chosen for both its aesthetics and its real performance benefits over old-style silver fillings.

• Bonded for strength. Composite chemically bonds to the tooth, supporting it instead of just sitting in a hole.
• Less drilling. Because composite bonds in place, we can remove only the decayed portion and leave more healthy tooth behind.
• Looks like your tooth. Shade-matched so it disappears into the surrounding enamel.
• Mercury-free. No silver/amalgam, no metal expansion or contraction over time.

What the appointment is like

Most fillings take 30–45 minutes. We numb the tooth thoroughly — you’ll feel pressure and vibration, but not pain. Dr. Sanie removes the decay, prepares the surface, places the composite in layers, and hardens it with a curing light. We shape and polish it to match your bite. You’ll be eating normally within an hour or two as the numbness wears off.

Replacing older silver fillings

If you have silver/amalgam fillings from years ago, you’re not required to have them removed — but if one is cracking, leaking, or you simply don’t love how they look, we can swap them out for tooth-colored composite. Many patients tell us they wish they’d done it sooner.

Anxiety-friendly options

If even a small filling makes you tense, ask about nitrous oxide. You stay fully aware and comfortable, and the relaxed feeling fades within minutes of removing the mask. You’ll be safe to drive yourself home.